Packing for a house move is one of the most time-consuming tasks — but a room-by-room system makes it manageable. Here's a complete checklist covering every room, what to pack first, and what never to put in a removal box.
Key Points
Start packing non-essentials 4-6 weeks before your move date
Pack room by room and label every box with contents and destination room
Pack an essentials box last — this goes in your car, not the removal van
Use the colour-coding system for quick unloading at your new home
Never pack hazardous materials, valuables, or important documents in removal boxes
Most 3-bed houses require 60-80 boxes — start collecting boxes early
Packing Timeline
6 weeks
Gather supplies and start decluttering
Collect boxes (free from supermarkets, off-licences, Freecycle). Buy packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Sell or donate items you won't be taking — fewer items = smaller van = lower cost.
4-5 weeks
Pack out-of-season and rarely-used items
Books, seasonal decorations, spare bedding, loft items, hobby equipment, formal wear. These are items you won't need before the move.
2-3 weeks
Pack non-essential rooms
Spare bedrooms, dining room, home office (leaving out the items you use daily), garage, shed. Most ornaments and display items.
1 week
Pack most remaining rooms
Main bedroom (except items used daily), living room, bathroom supplies (except daily essentials), most kitchen items (keeping one set of plates, pots, and utensils for daily use).
Moving day
Pack remaining items and essentials box
Final kitchen items, bedding from the night before, toiletries. Pack your essentials box last — this travels in your car.
Room-by-Room Packing Checklist
Kitchen
Tip: Use pots and pans as extra containers — pack smaller items inside them.
Living Room
Bedroom(s)
Tip: Wardrobe boxes with hanging rails keep clothes on hangers — saves ironing.
Bathroom
Home Office / Study
Your Essentials Box (Pack Last — Travels in Your Car)
Never Pack These in Removal Boxes
Cash, jewellery, bank cards
Passports and legal documents
Hazardous materials (paint, gas, chemicals)
Flammable liquids (petrol, lighter fluid)
Prescription medication
Pets and live animals
Perishable food and opened bottles
House or car keys
Box Labelling System
Label every box on the top AND side with the destination room and a brief content description
Use a colour-coding system — one coloured dot per room (buy dot stickers from any stationery shop)
Mark FRAGILE in large letters on boxes with breakables — and load these last, unload first
Number boxes and keep a master inventory list — especially useful for insurance purposes
Mark boxes THIS WAY UP for lamps, artwork, and tall fragile items
Label HEAVY on boxes of books to warn the removal crew
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes do I need for a house move?
As a rough guide: studio/1-bed (15-25 boxes), 2-bed (30-45 boxes), 3-bed (50-75 boxes), 4-bed (70-100 boxes), 5-bed (100+ boxes). These are estimates — actual numbers depend heavily on how much you own.
What's the best size box for moving?
Use small boxes (book boxes) for heavy items like books and crockery, and large boxes for light but bulky items like bedding and pillows. Never fill a large box with books — it will be too heavy to lift safely. Medium boxes are the most versatile for general household items.
How do I pack glasses and crockery safely?
Wrap each glass individually in newspaper or bubble wrap. Pack glasses upright (not on their side) in double-walled boxes with crumpled paper between layers. For plates, pack vertically (like vinyl records) rather than stacking flat — this distributes pressure better and reduces breakage.
Should I pack my own boxes or pay for the packing service?
Packing yourself saves £200-£600 but takes significant time (typically 2-5 days for a 3-bed house). If you pack your own boxes, note that most removal companies won't accept liability for breakages inside customer-packed boxes. If you have many fragile or valuable items, the professional packing service is worth the cost.